BWBR Acquires Durham Firm RND Architects
The St. Paul-based design firm is acquiring Durham-based RND Architects, adding a fourth office in the Research Triangle region.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Remote Work
BWBR, a St. Paul-based architecture and design firm with a national practice, is acquiring Durham-based RND Architects. The combined firm will have about 200 employees and four offices, with RND to be known as BWBR.
Why it matters
The acquisition gives BWBR a foothold in the Research Triangle region, which it chose for expansion because of the area's tremendous growth. For Durham, it brings a larger national firm with local ties into the local architecture market.
The combined firm has about 200 employees and four offices, with BWBR's existing locations in St. Paul, Minn., Madison, Wis., and Omaha, Neb., joined by the new Durham office. The announcement does not disclose financial terms, and the deal is expected to close on October 31, 2026.
The players
BWBR
BWBR is a St. Paul-based architecture and design firm with a national practice, led by President and CEO Terri Ulrick.
RND Architects
RND Architects is a Durham-based architecture firm led by Principal Charles Nickelson, which is being acquired by BWBR.
The details
BWBR and RND Architects grew toward the combination through a deliberate search for a firm with compatible values and a shared approach to serving clients. RND gains access to the resources of a national firm while keeping its local relationships, and the transaction was not driven by private equity investment.
Timeline
The transaction is expected to close on October 31, 2026.
The firms are expected to begin operating together on November 2, 2026.
Market Landscape
The Research Triangle has drawn national firms seeking a presence in its growing market, and BWBR's move follows that pattern. The deal positions BWBR to compete for regional design work alongside firms already established in the area.
For Durham-area residents working in architecture, the acquisition adds a larger firm with a national practice to the local market. The combined firm's expanded office network may affect where regional design work and hiring take place.
The takeaway
Firms seeking growth in fast-expanding regions are increasingly acquiring established local practices rather than building from scratch. The BWBR and RND combination shows how a national firm can add a regional office while retaining local client relationships.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore the Remote Work section for more on how firms are structuring their workforces.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Building Design + Construction.
